Ave Maria University files suit over contraception mandate

By The Associated Press
Published: February 22, 2012

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FORT MYERS --

Ave Maria University officials have filed suit against the federal government over a contraception mandate that has riled Catholic institutions.

The lawsuit filed in federal court Tuesday seeks injunctive relief from the mandate that requires insurers to provide free birth control coverage.

Ave Maria University pays about $1.7 million per year in health insurance, which covers about 95 percent of costs to its 129 employees. Contraception costs are not covered by the university's insurer for current employees.

Many religious-affiliated institutions such as Ave Maria University have balked at President Obama's mandate, arguing that they would have to violate their religious beliefs to adhere to the law.

The mandate is a change from the president's original plan that would have forced religious-affiliated employers to supply the coverage regardless of institutional beliefs.